The road to UFC gold is never easy, and for Dricus du Plessis, the journey has been anything but conventional. Heading into UFC 297 in January last year, many questioned his technical ability, conditioning, and whether he had what it took to go five full rounds against a high pressure fighter like Sean Strickland. However, with each fight, the South African silenced the naysayers, proving that he was more than what many were saying—he was, or rather is, championship material.
Dricus du Plessis Undeniable in the Middleweight Division
Du Plessis’ rise through the middleweight ranks was built on sheer determination and an aggressive style. Before his career-defining victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 290, many analysts doubted the legitimacy of his run due to concerns about his endurance. But at UFC 297, du Plessis faced his toughest test yet—going five rounds with the relentless Sean Strickland.
‘Stillknocks’ defied expectations. Instead of the anticipated fast start followed by a depleting gas tank, du Plessis took a strategic approach. Staying composed in the early rounds and picking his moments. As the fight progressed, it became clear that he wasn’t just surviving—he was thriving. When the final bell rang, his arm was raised, and a new era in the UFC middleweight division began.
Dricus du Plessis Mastering the Championship Rounds
In his 24 professional fights, du Plessis has only seen the judges’ scorecards twice—once against Brad Tavares and again against Strickland. But while many doubted his gas tank, he proved in UFC 297’s championship rounds that he could push the pace when it mattered most.
Reflecting on the fight in with talkSPORT, du Plessis shared how his confidence soared as the rounds went on.
“I felt like I was on a cloud, I felt invincible. I felt fresher than I did before the fight started. I thought, now we can fight, and that fourth round was by far my best round.”
Despite his reputation for explosive finishes, du Plessis showed a level of patience against Strickland that had been missing in some of his earlier fights. He landed cleaner, more effective strikes without overextending himself, demonstrating a refined skill set that makes him an even greater threat in the division.
The Key to Victory Against Adesanya
With the title around his waist, du Plessis faced an even bigger challenge in his first title defense against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305. Once again, his endurance and ability to sustain high-paced action were put to the test. The fourth round proved to be the turning point yet again, as he submitted Adesanya, solidifying his status as champion.
Now, as he prepares for UFC 312 at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, the South African standout is more confident than ever. The days of questioning his cardio are long gone—he has shown that he can match anyone’s pace, no matter how deep into the fight it goes.
“I had to prove to the world, to myself, that I can go five rounds and go as hard as I can for five rounds.”
What’s Next for ‘Stillknocks’?
As du Plessis continues to evolve, the middleweight division has to take notice. He’s a well-rounded fighter with the cardio, strategy, and technical ability to reign for years to come. His ability to adapt, stay composed under pressure, and dictate the pace of a fight has made him one of the most dangerous champions in recent memory.
With UFC 312 around the corner, all eyes will be on the South African champion as he looks to defend his title once again. Can he continue his reign and further cement his legacy? One thing is clear—Dricus du Plessis is just getting started.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
